More info
Datasheet
| Care Description | Maze Brain Corals grow dome-shaped colonies and can grow very large in home reef aquariums. Be sure to give them plenty of space because they are known to send out sweeper tentacles to fend off neighboring corals. Please see below for additional care tips for brain corals. |
| Water Flow | Low |
| Temperature | 22.2°C / 71.96°F - 25.6°C / 78.08°F |
| Specific Gravity | 1.023-1.026 |
| Carbonate Hardness | 8-12 |
| pH | 8.1-8.4 |
General Description
Maze Brain Corals, specifically the Tri-color Oulophyllia, form dome-shaped colonies with a lavender base rimmed by a multi-colored ridge. They can grow quite large in reef aquariums and require ample space due to their tendency to extend sweeper tentacles to defend against neighboring corals. Although relatively rare in the hobby, these corals are visually striking and easy to care for, thriving on larger pellet or frozen food diets. They are known to have a slow growth rate and are not commonly available as frags.
Demands and Hardiness
Maze Brain Corals, like other stony corals, rely heavily on their zooxanthellae for nutrition but also benefit from direct feeding. Optimal water parameters for these corals include a temperature range of 22.2-25.6°C, a pH level of 8.1-8.4, and a specific gravity of 1.023-1.026. Maintaining a stable alkalinity level between 8-12 dKH is crucial for their well-being.
Lighting
Moderate to high lighting is recommended for Maze Brain Corals, as they do not significantly alter their coloration based on light intensity. However, acclimation may be necessary when transitioning to more intense lighting sources like metal halides. They are generally tolerant of various lighting conditions but may require a longer adjustment period to intense lighting.
Water Flow
These corals prefer low water flow environments within reef displays to prevent stress and ensure full polyp extension. Excessive water flow can potentially harm Maze Brain Corals, affecting their health and growth. Placing them in areas with gentle to moderate flow is ideal for maintaining their well-being.
Feeding
Maze Brain Corals exhibit a varied diet, consuming Mysis shrimp, krill, small fish, and medium to large-sized pellets or feeds ranging from 5mm to 100mm. Regular feeding with a mix of meaty foods such as shrimp, fish, and squid supplemented with vitamins and highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA) is beneficial for their overall health and vitality. It is essential to offer sufficiently small food items to ensure the polyps can fully ingest them.
Propagation
While there have been successful attempts at fragmenting Maze Brain Corals for propagation, asexual reproduction remains a slow process. Aquaculturing these corals is challenging due to their slow growth rates, making sustainable harvest in captivity difficult. Efforts to develop more cost-effective propagation methods, including potential sexual reproduction techniques, are ongoing but not yet widely established. Maze Brain Corals naturally exhibit slow growth, which hinders their viability for extensive aquaculture at present.
Localization & Habitat
Tri Color Oulophyllia corals are native to the Indo-Pacific region, specifically found around the islands of Fiji, Tonga, the Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. They are part of the Maze Brain family, characterized by their unique dome-shaped colonies and intricate color patterns. These corals thrive in the clear, tropical waters of their natural habitat, adapting well to the diverse ecosystems present in the Indo-Pacific region.